Memorial Day Thoughts

Plaintalker was unable to find information on Memorial Day observances in Plainfield, but most likely there will be a ceremony at the War Memorial.

The sacrifices of military men and women are marked by plaques in City Hall and a monument on the grounds of City Hall, in addition to the War Memorial. A gathering place for veterans is promised in the new building going up at 400 East Front Street. In November and May, we gather to honor all who have served their country.

It would have been nice to have some notice of local ceremonies on the city web site, but nothing appeared to be posted for today except an erroneous listing for a City Council meeting.

So wherever you are today, give some thought to those, past and present, who made the ultimate sacrifice and to the many new survivors who face long years of care for war injuries. Each war is terrible in its own way. The present conflict has produced a generation of veterans with unforeseen needs, both mental and physical, that society must address, because despite the prophecy on the War Memorial, swords have yet to be beaten into plowshares and our leaders continue to "study war."

--Bernice Paglia